MP responds to justice role quandary

Marie Rimmer has refused to be drawn on the apparent conflict between of accepting a new justice related government role while being subject to an ongoing legal case.

The MP for St Helens South and Whiston had been accused of kicking a Scottish referendum campaigner at a polling station last year but the original court trial was thrown out because of a mistake on the charge sheet.

It would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing legal matter

Prosecutors indicated their intention to re-list the case and the former leader of St Helens Council could return to court in Glasgow later this month.

But earlier this week Ms Rimmer accepted a new role scrutinising the Ministry of Justice as part of the justice select committee.

When asked about the conflict, a spokesman for the 67-year-old MP told St Helens Today: “It would not be appropriate for Marie to comment on an ongoing legal matter.

“However, Marie is looking forward to being involved in the upcoming work of the Justice Select Committee during this Parliament.”

Speaking earlier this week, Ms Rimmer said: “It is an honour to have been appointed to the Justice Select Committee and I look forward to playing a key role in scrutinising Government policy in this important area.”